Dreaming of a Lowcountry escape, a historic city break, or a relaxing journey through the heart of the Palmetto State? Amtrak offers a unique and scenic way to explore South Carolina, connecting its charming towns and vibrant cities with the wider East Coast. Forget traffic jams and airport hassles – train travel lets you sit back, relax, and watch the beautiful SC landscape unfold outside your window.
This complete guide will walk you through every Amtrak station in South Carolina, detailing the routes they serve, and providing essential distances to popular cities and airports.
Why Choose Amtrak in South Carolina?
Relaxation: More legroom, no security lines, and the freedom to get up and move around.
Scenery: Enjoy views of picturesque towns, cypress swamps, and the diverse landscapes of the state.
Convenience: Many stations are centrally located, offering easier access to downtown areas than airports.
Sustainability: A greener way to travel.
Let’s explore South Carolina’s Amtrak stations!
1. Florence (FLO)
Located in the Pee Dee region, Florence is a significant hub for Amtrak passengers, offering connections to larger cities and serving as a gateway to the coast.
Address: 800 E Day St, Florence, SC 29506
Routes Served:
Palmetto: Connects New York City and Savannah, GA.
Silver Meteor: Connects New York City and Miami, FL.
Silver Star: Connects New York City and Miami, FL.
Key Destinations from Florence (FLO)
Destination City
Approx. Driving Distance (Miles)
Approx. Driving Time
Myrtle Beach
70 miles
1 hour 15 minutes
Columbia
80 miles
1 hour 20 minutes
Charleston
110 miles
1 hour 45 minutes
Charlotte, NC
150 miles
2 hours 30 minutes
Key Airports from Florence (FLO)
Airport (Code)
Approx. Driving Distance (Miles)
Approx. Driving Time
Myrtle Beach Intl. (MYR)
75 miles
1 hour 20 minutes
Columbia Metro (CAE)
85 miles
1 hour 25 minutes
Charleston Intl. (CHS)
105 miles
1 hour 40 minutes
Charlotte Douglas (CLT)
155 miles
2 hours 35 minutes
2. Kingstree (KTR)
A smaller, historic stop between Florence and Charleston, Kingstree offers a quiet entry point to the rural charm of the Lowcountry.
Address: 115 E Butler St, Kingstree, SC 29556
Routes Served:
Palmetto: Connects New York City and Savannah, GA.
Silver Meteor: Connects New York City and Miami, FL.
Silver Star: Connects New York City and Miami, FL.
Key Destinations from Kingstree (KTR)
Destination City
Approx. Driving Distance (Miles)
Approx. Driving Time
Florence
40 miles
45 minutes
Charleston
60 miles
1 hour
Columbia
80 miles
1 hour 30 minutes
Key Airports from Kingstree (KTR)
Airport (Code)
Approx. Driving Distance (Miles)
Approx. Driving Time
Charleston Intl. (CHS)
55 miles
1 hour
Columbia Metro (CAE)
85 miles
1 hour 30 minutes
3. Denmark (DNK)
Denmark is a rural stop in Bamberg County, serving as a connection point for those exploring the less-traveled parts of the state or visiting institutions like Voorhees University.
Address: 160 S Railroad Ave, Denmark, SC 29042
Routes Served:
Silver Meteor: Connects New York City and Miami, FL.
Silver Star: Connects New York City and Miami, FL.
Key Destinations from Denmark (DNK)
Destination City
Approx. Driving Distance (Miles)
Approx. Driving Time
Aiken
35 miles
40 minutes
Orangeburg
20 miles
25 minutes
Columbia
60 miles
1 hour
Augusta, GA
65 miles
1 hour 15 minutes
Key Airports from Denmark (DNK)
Airport (Code)
Approx. Driving Distance (Miles)
Approx. Driving Time
Columbia Metro (CAE)
65 miles
1 hour 5 minutes
Augusta Regional (AGS)
60 miles
1 hour 10 minutes
4. Columbia (CLB)
As the state capital and home to the University of South Carolina, Columbia is a bustling urban center. Its Amtrak station is conveniently located downtown.
Address: 850 Pulaski St, Columbia, SC 29201
Routes Served:
Silver Star: Connects New York City and Miami, FL.
Key Destinations from Columbia (CLB)
Destination City
Approx. Driving Distance (Miles)
Approx. Driving Time
Greenville
100 miles
1 hour 40 minutes
Charleston
110 miles
1 hour 50 minutes
Charlotte, NC
95 miles
1 hour 30 minutes
Key Airports from Columbia (CLB)
Airport (Code)
Approx. Driving Distance (Miles)
Approx. Driving Time
Columbia Metro (CAE)
10 miles
15 minutes
Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP)
110 miles
1 hour 45 minutes
Charlotte Douglas (CLT)
105 miles
1 hour 40 minutes
5. North Charleston (NOC)
For those heading to the Charleston area, the North Charleston station is often the most convenient, especially if flying in or out of Charleston International Airport. It’s also closer to the cruise terminal.
Address: 4565 Gaynor Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
Routes Served:
Palmetto: Connects New York City and Savannah, GA.
Silver Meteor: Connects New York City and Miami, FL.
Silver Star: Connects New York City and Miami, FL.
Key Destinations from North Charleston (NOC)
Destination City
Approx. Driving Distance (Miles)
Approx. Driving Time
Downtown Charleston
10 miles
15-20 minutes
Isle of Palms
25 miles
35 minutes
Columbia
110 miles
1 hour 50 minutes
Key Airports from North Charleston (NOC)
Airport (Code)
Approx. Driving Distance (Miles)
Approx. Driving Time
Charleston Intl. (CHS)
5 miles
10-15 minutes
6. Charleston (CSC)
Note: While the city’s airport code is CHS, the Amtrak station code for Charleston is CSC.
The historic heart of the Lowcountry! The Charleston Amtrak station provides direct access to one of the most beloved cities in the South, famous for its architecture, culinary scene, and coastal charm.
Address: 4565 Gaynor Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405 (The actual physical station is located in North Charleston, but identified as serving Charleston for city-bound travelers. It’s the same building as NOC, but sometimes listed separately in schedules for clarity to tourists.)
Routes Served:
Palmetto: Connects New York City and Savannah, GA.
Key Destinations from Charleston (CSC)
Destination City
Approx. Driving Distance (Miles)
Approx. Driving Time
Folly Beach
17 miles
30 minutes
Mount Pleasant
10 miles
20 minutes
Savannah, GA
100 miles
1 hour 45 minutes
Key Airports from Charleston (CSC)
Airport (Code)
Approx. Driving Distance (Miles)
Approx. Driving Time
Charleston Intl. (CHS)
15 miles
20 minutes
Savannah/Hilton Head (SAV)
105 miles
1 hour 50 minutes
7. Yemassee (YEM)
A small, historic station in the heart of the Lowcountry, Yemassee is often considered the gateway to popular coastal destinations like Beaufort and Hilton Head Island.
Address: 101 Massey St, Yemassee, SC 29945
Routes Served:
Silver Meteor: Connects New York City and Miami, FL.
Key Destinations from Yemassee (YEM)
Destination City
Approx. Driving Distance (Miles)
Approx. Driving Time
Beaufort
30 miles
40 minutes
Hilton Head Island
50 miles
1 hour
Savannah, GA
45 miles
50 minutes
Charleston
65 miles
1 hour 15 minutes
Key Airports from Yemassee (YEM)
Airport (Code)
Approx. Driving Distance (Miles)
Approx. Driving Time
Savannah/Hilton Head (SAV)
50 miles
50 minutes
Hilton Head Island (HHH)
55 miles
1 hour
Important Tips for Your South Carolina Amtrak Journey
Book in Advance: Especially for popular routes and peak travel times, booking early can save you money and secure your preferred seats.
Check Schedules: Train times can sometimes be subject to delays. Always check Amtrak’s website or app for real-time status updates before heading to the station.
Arrive Early: Give yourself ample time to find parking (if needed), locate your platform, and get settled before departure.
Luggage: Amtrak has generous luggage allowances, often more than airlines. Check their policies for specifics.
Food & Drink: Most long-distance trains have a Cafe Car offering snacks, meals, and beverages. You can also bring your own food.
Local Connections: Plan your onward travel from the station (taxi, ride-share, rental car, or local bus) in advance, especially for smaller towns.
Whether you’re a seasoned train traveler or looking for a new adventure, Amtrak in South Carolina offers a memorable way to discover the charm and beauty of the Palmetto State. So, pick your destination, pack your bags, and get ready to roll!
